Apparently the first STi (standard WR Blue) has arrived at T&C in Aberdeen. It for sale as well, as all the confirmed orders so far have been for the Prodrive Style version.

 

hmmm Nobles have had a delivery too but no demo till next week - maybe - do T & C have a demo car John?

I take it that you have ordered a prodrive version then John?!!

 

Willie,

I'm not sure if this car will be a demo or not ? I'll find out when I take a visit shortly.

As much as I would like to, I haven't ordered an STi yet. Will wait for a test drive first.

John

 

I too am awaiting the oppurtunity for a decent test drive and then I have to negotiate a decent trade in....

 

I'm waiting for a test drive at Nobles too!

Not sure anyone will offer a "decent" trade-in thought!

Mark

PS: Congratulations Willie! How's married life?

 

Thanks Mark as to hows married life well thats a question you should be able to answer.

Nobles are going to have to work hard for their money I am hearing good things about T & C. Thought I might have a run over to Kings in Aberfeldy as well.

 

I've already spoken to Bob.

Wil call you.

Mark

 

Well I've been and visited T&C and the new STi.

Positive things:

Looks much better than the standard car, headlamps make quite a difference.
6 speed gearbox feels good with a short throw.
big brakes all round.
Dash looks better with rev counter in the middle.
Nice seats.
I/C Water spray nicely hidden in the boot.
back box looks nice and "meaty"
Quiet when running.

Negative things:

No rear wiper
No floor mats (though I'd hope any dealer supplying would throw in a set FOC) !!
Type-UK pink badges look a bit tacky, especially on intercooler.
Full beam looks a bit "weak" though it was daylight.
No driving lamps under covers, nor a front fog lamp switch.
Boot "carpet" as thin as always.
No front strut brace (nor is it an option like it in in Oz)
Hammer on wheel balance weights used!
Green cosmoline stuff sprayed in engine compartment and on intercooler (gets black and "furry") after a while
No mudflaps fitted, and tyres protrude beyond bottom of front wings - could suffer from stone chips after time ?
Automatic I/C water spray would have been nice.

Overall I like it best of all the MY01 cars to date. I'm not sure I would go for the Prodrive version, as I'd like to be able to fit driving lamps, though I think the rear spoiler from the prodrive version would be nice as an option.

John

PS This one is now for sale on the forecourt, as all the orders so far have been for the Prodrive version (including their demonstrator which is due soon).

 

[Edited by Dark - 1/17/2002 3:26:21 PM]

 

not that you where busy this afternoon John?!!

Thanks for the mini review having just spoken to Mark general consensus is that we are all waiting for a long test drive of the Sti.

Patience is a virtue

 

Willie,

I was there for 10 minutes on my way to an external meeting, and had to drive past T&C anyway. Would have been impolite not to drop in past for a look

Will send you both an e-mail soon.

John

 

I like everything I've heard about the new car - the slightly negative review in yesterday's Autocar hasn't put me off. The earliest that I'll be able to get a test drive is mid Feb. I'm almost tempted to do something I wouldn't have ever done before and that is order one (with obligatory £1000 deposit) before test drive.

D.

 

T&C Aberdeen told me yesterday that they had a small problem with delivery of the Prodrive'd ones

Apparently, they're grounding nastily at the front when they're taken on / off the transporters (sounds implausible).

They're quoting end Feb / beg March delivery for order now.

The salesman mentioned that they've got some rev controlled light / buzzer gadget which you can set yourself. He was a bit vague and used the word limiter but thought it was only a gear change warning. Is the sound proofing really that good ? any ideas ?

I'm going to drive the ordinary one on Wednesday and I'll report back in the afternoon.

 

Are they available in black ?

 

Can any of you guys who are going for a test-drive ask....could the sporty STi headlights be fitted in a std WRX, and fir foo muckle?

thanks

 

Rumple - yes they are available in a colour called blue/black or something like that. Very close to black, but ni fact a very very dark blue.

Mr Brown - long time no speak! The lights will fit OK, as these were an option on the Japanese spec cars according to the Subaru Japan website. Think they were a £500 option in Japan though!

John

 

John,

The reason the balance weights are on the outside is because there is no clearance for them on the inside. The new Brembo brakes run so close so the wheel, there is no space.

Also forget about updating to 18", none of the usual (OZ's etc ) will fit due to the offset.

David

 

OK, drove it and liked it

It was an awful day here so I couldn't really push it

As far as the drive is concerned, it feels generally more firm and focused than other Imprezas I've owned / driven. I'd have preferred a dry day though to see how the roll / understeer (if any) is.

The gear change is magic and having been dubious about the benefits of a six speeder, I'm now convinced. I can't see the point of the gear change warning - it's a bit gimmicky. I know these things are common on competition cars but I've never had a problem knowing when to change by listening to what the engine's telling me (on track or road).

The car felt a bit slower than I'd hoped. I'm prepared to believe though that this was, to a certain extent, an illusion caused by the excellent sound proofing and comfortable ride. The car also only had about 30 miles on the clock so the engine was still tight.

I'm pretty sure that after a few thousand loosening miles, this car would be able to compete with my E6. It wouldn't beat it but it'd be able to compete

The brakes are more than adequate but still not as good as the six potters I'm used to.

Around town, it can be comfortably driven like any car intended for the urban environment. On the motorway, it could be any rep-mobile.

The finish looks great inside, outside and under the bonnet - but then it is a brand spanker so who knows.

I like the layout of the interior but I think it could've been spiced up a bit with a bit of thought. The rev counter being in the centre and the biggest dial is a nice touch.

They're going to make me an offer for my E6 and if it's realistic, I might well sign (delivery would be mid March).

Colour ? IMHO, it looks best in black ... but if I get one, it'll be blue - it's gotta be

 

I agree with most of your comments Crumpled, especially about the black versus blue, you wouldn't buy a black Ferrari, though I'm sure some have.

The interior impressed me, much better than mine, cleaner too

 

Is the demonstrator Prodrive STi in Aberdeen yet??

Cheers,

Rob.

 

Not yet Rob,

however, as the cars are mechanically identical there shouldn't be any difference in performance between them.

 

I was told the demonstrator would be a Prodrive STi that's why I'm asking.
So they have a standard STi as a demo then??

Rob.

 

Yes! - available to test drive now. Perth also have one I believe.

They are going to put on a Prodrive demonstrator as well, though I can't see why they would need two ?